2003/03/14 Council Agenda Packet

Work Element 6.5. Prepare the project Biological Assessment for ESA compliance. Following receipt of input from NMFS, USFWS, WDFW and WDNR, a Biological Assessment (BA) will be prepared that reviews the potential impacts of this project upon listed (under ESA) threatened, endangered and candidate species that may occur in the project vicinity. Likely to be included in the lists from the agencies will be Puget Sound Chinook salmon (threatened), coho salmon (candidate), bull trout (threatened) and bald eagle (threatened). The BA will provide a brief discussion of life history, known occurrences in the project area, conservation measures that will be imposed to avoid, minimize impacts to the species and a determination of effect. Because of the location of the project and it's lack of proximity to likely habitat, a determination of either"no effect"or may effect, not likely to adversely affect" is likely. As a result, no formal agency consultation is proposed. If formal consultation is required, a supplement to the scope and budget will be necessary. The Biological Assessment will be submitted to WSDOT for concurrence and forwarding to NMFS FS and USFWS. Ten copies of the Biological Assessment will be provided to the City. 7.0 Public Involvement Assistance At the City's direction, Perteet will assist with preparation of a public involvement strategy, preparation of informational and presentation materials, and participate in presentations to the public. For budgeting purposes, two public meetings are planned at this time. Ic 1 5